The Disney Parks are the most magical places on earth—that's common knowledge. Stepping through their gates is like stepping into one's own personal Disney flick, complete with colorful characters and the joy they bring. What might not be common knowledge is the number of tasty trivial tidbits the fandom has amassed over the decades.
Any theme park enthusiast will no doubt have dozens of technical questions behind the house that Walt built, but, for the real head-scratchers, take a look at some of these quandaries concerning the parks, the attractions, and the gargantuan amount of magic that go into bringing them to life.
How Many Hidden Mickeys Are There On Each Disney Property?
Although the company has not released a definite answer to this question, Disney has stated that the parks contain at least 1000 Hidden Mickeys across park property. Three circles in the shape of Mickey's head is a symbol many people recognize within milliseconds, so why not make an activity out of it? From the hotels to the theme parks, Mickey has been everything from topiaries to paint splatters, he's nothing if not adaptable.
How Many Countries Are There in the World Showcase?
The main attraction at Disney's Epcot, other than the fabulous Food and Wine Festival, has to be the World Showcase. Home to eleven different countries from across the globe, fans and guests can travel the planet in an entire afternoon if they wish.
With nations and exhibits hailing from all continents, there's no shortage of ways to spend a day exploring and experiencing different cultures.
What Are the Names of The Hitchhiking Ghosts?
When taking a detour into the realms of the supernatural at Disney's Haunted Mansion, fans should always beware of hitchhiking ghosts, because these three wandering specters will follow guests out for a little joyride. Phineas (the traveler), Ezra (the skeleton), and Gus (the prisoner) are the attraction's main mascots and are frequently seen throughout the mansion's promotional material and merch. Who wouldn't want to take these guys home?
Who Is Jolly Roger?
The Pirates of the Caribbean attraction has gone through many changes in its day—talking about you, Redd. But, if there's one thing from the original attraction that made a grand and glorious comeback, it was Jolly Roger.
For those not versed in the Pirate's Code, Jolly Roger was the talking skull who uttered the phrase "dead men tell no tales." He was replaced by characters from the film series, but he has since returned to his post in the ride.
What Character Hosts Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom?
If guests haven't played the Magic Kingdom's collectible card game, it's a great way to see little details often overlooked in the park. Don't let the title of the game misdirect the answer; as familiar as the star and moon motif might be, Mickey's a bit too busy meeting and greeting fans to manage this game. Fortunately, Merlin the Magician is there to lend a few quips and spells to protect the kingdom from the clutches of Hades.
Where is Walt’s Office?
True fans know that Walt Disney was a very hands-on fellow when it came to his passion projects, and Disneyland was the magnum opus. Walt was so involved with the park after its opening that he even had his own office space right above Disneyland's Main Street Firehouse.
If the lamp in the window was on, it means the boss was in-house. Now the lamp shines permanently as a reminder of Disney's founder.
How Are Cast Doors Hidden?
There are dozens and dozens of secret passages, utility doors, and hidden entrances throughout the park, but they aren't as hidden as one might think. In fact, many are right in front of guests' eyes, they just don't know it.
Thanks to a special paint color dubbed "Go Away Green" the color is so boring to the human brain that the organ rejects its visual existence. Maybe Disney does have fans under mind control...
Who is Jingles and Where is She?
If one has seen Saving Mr. Banks, then they already know about Lilian Disney's prized steed on the King Arthur Carousel. That being said, she's still a familiar face amongst the professional park-goers.
Jingles is the lead horse on the Disneyland carousel, recognizable by her golden bells down her side hanging from her saddle. Known as "Walt's Favorite" to fans, Jingles has been somewhat of a Disney Easter egg true Disney fanatics love.
What Was “The Florida Project?”
Walt Disney was undoubtedly an ambitious man. After the construction of Disneyland in California, plans for a second park project on the east coast were dropped into development. Walt had the vision of a community of the future that would display innovations and inventions of days to come. "The Florida Project" became the basis for Epcot, which soon became the Walt Disney World in Florida.
What Does “Black Sunday” Mean?
If one were a Disney Imagineer in the 1950s, they would know about the infamous date of July 17th, 1955, known to the Disney company as "Black Sunday." This was Disneyland's first day of operations, and nearly everything went wrong. From a seven-mile traffic jam to the concrete melting underneath the California sun, it was by far the "Happiest Place on Earth." Thankfully, Disney recovered and soon had the park running like clockwork.